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FEATURE: The procrastination syndrome that ails Ghana

My beloved country Ghana just turned sixty-two (62) years. Sixty-two (62) years not representing our age as a country but rather years we have spent as an Independent nation. Full of optimism emanating from a future that promised so much, a future as bright as the star we have come to accept being associated to […]

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My beloved country Ghana just turned sixty-two (62) years. Sixty-two (62) years not representing our age as a country but rather years we have spent as an Independent nation.

The procrastination syndrome that ails Ghana
The procrastination syndrome that ails Ghana

Full of optimism emanating from a future that promised so much, a future as bright as the star we have come to accept being associated to ourselves, it is easy to see why the people were so happy back then. Fast forward from that time to now and I bet the people who fought so hard knowing the risk of their lives being at stake would not only be disappointed but also have a regretting feeling concerning the current state of the country, to see that we have not been able to build on the optimism they had back then to make significant strides or build on what they left behind.

From greed, through bribery and corruption to procrastination, one can mention factors that number more than or equal the number we have spent as an Independent nation. In juxtaposing the success and failures of the nation, we can see the negatives far outweigh the positives, thus, the reason we find ourselves in this pitiful state as a nation.

Of all the factors that have riddled us as a nation, the sole focus of the write up will be on PROCRASTINATION. Procrastination on the part of you and I as individuals, procrastination on the part of us as a collective in the form of groups, institutions, and procrastination on the part of the whole group and individuals that make up the government and Nation. One may ask what Procrastination is.

Procrastination, nice as its name may sound, is an unpleasant thing to find yourself entangled in. It is the act of postponing, delaying or putting off, especially habitually or unintentionally. It is the act of postponing or delaying a set of tasks. It is the force that prevents you from following through on what you set out to do. In seemingly defending it, people say procrastination is a challenge that we have all faced at one point or another. For as long as Humans have been around, we have been struggling with delaying, avoiding and procrastinating on issues that matter to us.

For the sake of the concept under review, I could not have agreed enough with Napoleon Hill description of Procrastination as the “bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday”.  Charles Dickens also weighs in with his own definition by saying “Procrastination is the thief of time” and as the thief, there is no doubt it has stolen the progress and joy of Ghanaians. It is no doubt one of the most common and deadliest diseases as its toll on success and happiness is heavy (Wayne Gretzky).

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Ghanaian Citizens have allowed this disease and or syndrome to eat us up so much that we only wait for the coming up of an occasion or event, the visit of a perceived important or esteemed figure and most sadly, tragically and far more costly, a disaster or accident before we act or do the right thing that should have been done but for procrastination. The just ended 62nd Independence Day which was held in Tamale in the Northern Region is a typical example of how this canker has engulfed the whole region and the nation as a whole. Tamale, known to be one of the dirtiest cities in Ghana is now in contention for the nearest city. Because the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo was coming to grace the Independence Day. Most roads leading to the town center now have street lights and painted white. Ghana flags were positioned at vantage areas in the metropolis and dustbins were placed too to prevent citizens from littering the city. The Aliu Mahama sports stadium which was in a deplorable state was painted and renovated just for a day’s program. Before this occasion Tamale was an eye saw. Rubbish bins can be over full for weeks without it been disposed of, most of the streets had no light and traffic lights were not functioning. But before then, all these problems I have mentioned were problems which should have been worked on and not to have waited for an occasion like this for all these to be done.

There is no doubt that our bid to rectify the problems we have created through procrastination places us under more pressure. As we have often ended up on the wrong side of affairs in cases like the aforementioned, we end up spending more money than we should have had if not procrastination and found ourselves under pressure. To some extent, we end up losing valuable lives as a result of disasters coming from procrastination, which is far more costly (June 3rd disaster, a case in point).

Procrastination makes easy things hard and hard things harder (Mason Cooley), and that if you want an easy job to seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it (Olin Miller). Not only has Time and History proven what these people quoted, the scenarios above (extra cost being incurred among lives being lost as brought about by Procrastination also prove that they are right.

Most of the structures in the country are in very poor states and conditions. From our roads, through offices to schools, yet they have been left unattended to, periodic maintenance works have all stalled now waiting for a misfortune to strike us before we act, which we will end up spending more resources on the aftermath than it would have been for us to attend to them now. This whole Procrastination subject being focused on here revolves around TIME. Time as Dennis Waitley puts it “is an equal opportunity employer. Each Human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people cannot buy more hours, Scientists cannot invent new minutes” How well we use our time, either urgently or procrastination, determines our fortunes and successes as a nation. Time — they say is money. It is, therefore, no surprise that nations who have made better decisions concerning time and spent it wisely have had better fortunes and successes that we as a country have. Rwanda is a typical example of how well time spent can change the development status of a country. My biggest regret could be summed up in one word, and that’s procrastination (Ron Cooper). I stand in the position of our nation and reecho Ron Cooper’s sentiments. Know the value of time, snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination (Philip Stanhope).

Personally, I think 62 years of independence for a country like Ghana is an under development when it comes to our mentality in handling things related to national affairs. Individuals at high positioned are always exhibiting lackadaisical attitude when it comes to managing the properties of the country. I think it is about time we start doing the right things all the time and not waiting for occasions to show the entire world that we can do the very right things. I don’t think if Tamale was as neat as Kigali we would have spent millions of tax payer’s monies to just keep the city clean for a week.

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As Benjamin Franklin said, you may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found. Let us, therefore, remember as a nation that, the time we enjoy wasting is not necessarily time wasted, and we cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today (Abraham Lincoln). Therefore why don’t we start now, as continuous postponement of things we should do today will leave us wishing we had started today, a year from now (Karen Lamb). We shouldn’t put off today till tomorrow what we can possibly do today (Oscar Wilde).

I, therefore, urge we all citizens, as full constituents of the nation to embark on a “do it now mentality because later becomes never attitude or culture” to help change and improve the fortunes of the nation. The best way to get something done is to begin, let’s not forget what Leonardo Da Vinci said, it is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end. It may look like all is lost now, and that there is no point in trying, but all is not lost.

Starting now, all is not lost for the renovations and maintenance works that need to be done to our roads and buildings as we will have to incur more costs as a nation should we wait for a mishap.

For policies that need to be rolled out to ensure the betterment of the societies but are being delayed because we might be waiting for the right time, like Napoleon Hill said “don’t wait, the time will never be just right” So why not roll it out now? The masses will continue to suffer from every stretch of continuous delay.

The list can go on and on and on for what’s supposed to be done that are being delayed or not being done and their subsequent consequences.

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It doesn’t matter the time we have wasted as a nation, it is never too late to restart and put it right, and like Dennis, Waitley puts it “No matter how much time you’ve wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow”. We, therefore, have an entire tomorrow which begins now to end this Procrastination syndrome and canker that has cost us and continues to cost us, an entire tomorrow to do better.

I end with a quote from Norman Vincent Peale which says “The really happy people are those who have broken the chains of procrastination, those who find satisfaction in doing the job at hand. They’re full of eagerness, zest, productivity, you can be too”

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA AND MAKE OUR NATION GREAT AND STRONG.

Written by: Asare Boateng Histobel & Kallai Obed Isoyor.

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Deepening Cooperation: Telecel Ghana and Huawei Sign New Framework Contract to Provide Better Network Experience

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Telecel and Huawei Leadership teams after signing the contract

At the recently held Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Telecel Ghana and Huawei Ghana signed a new framework contract to promote cooperation and partnership for providing improved network experience and coverage in Ghana.

The new contract is aligned with Telecel’s vision to lead Africa’s digital revolution, connecting communities with sustainable and locally developed innovative connectivity methods, and inspiring technological advancements that pave the way for a thriving, interconnected continent. It also reflects Huawei’s vision of bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected and intelligent world. This signifies not only their commitment to each other but also unwavering confidence for the future of the telecommunications industry in Ghana.

With the shared consensus that Telecom plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern society, the two parties have worked together since 2023 to launch over 500 4G+ sites in record time. The  contract demonstrates the commitment of Telecel Ghana to improve coverage, capacity in  hotspots and the overall availability of 4G services. 

Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana affirmed Telecel’s commitment to collaborate closely with Huawei to harness the latest technologies and unmatched expertise to propel the evolution of modern network infrastructure and intelligence. This symbiotic partnership is poised to unlock unparalleled opportunities, ushering users into an era of unparalleled, world-class mobile connectivity.

Samuel Chen, CEO of Carrier Business in Huawei Southern Africa, said based on a solid collaboration with Telecel Ghana, Huawei has strong commitment to accelerate the development of mobile data and fixed broadband. Tommy Liang, MD of Huawei Ghana, emphasized the promise to advance FinTech ecosystem for driving innovation and promoting economic growth.

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Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show Set to Showcase African Cultural Heritage in Accra, Ghana

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The inaugural ceremony of the Adinkra International Arts & Crafts Show, hosted by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), is poised to be a landmark event celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic excellence of Ghana and the wider African continent. (more…)

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How To Improve Small Business Accounting With Customised Financial Solutions

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Business Plan

Small enterprises frequently encounter distinctive hurdles in the realm of accounting. Limited resources, fluctuating revenues, and evolving financial needs can make managing finances daunting. Yet, employing appropriate methods and tailored financial remedies enables small businesses to streamline accounting operations, attain more profound insights into their economic well-being, and ultimately foster growth. This blog post will explore how small businesses can improve their accounting practices through tailored financial solutions and customised accountancy packages.

Understanding Your Business Needs

The first step in improving small business accounting is understanding your business’s specific needs. Every business is unique, with its financial goals, challenges, and operational dynamics. By thoroughly assessing your business requirements, you can identify areas where your accounting processes may be lacking and where customised solutions can make a difference. Whether managing cash flow, tracking expenses, or optimising tax strategies, a tailored approach ensures that your accounting practices align with your business objectives.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Technology has revolutionised how businesses manage their finances, offering various tools and software solutions to streamline accounting processes. Small businesses accounting solutions can benefit significantly from leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, track financial transactions in real-time, and generate insightful reports. Customised accounting software packages can be tailored to suit your business’s specific needs, allowing you to concentrate on fundamental activities while guaranteeing precision and adherence to financial management standards.

Partnering with Experienced Professionals 

While small business owners often wear many hats, managing complex financial matters may require specialised expertise. Partnering with experienced accounting professionals who understand the unique challenges of small businesses can provide invaluable support and guidance. These experts can provide customised guidance, assist in implementing optimal procedures, and offer continuous assistance to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your accounting processes. Whether it involves bookkeeping, tax strategy, or financial analysis, having a reliable advisor can profoundly influence your business’s economic prosperity.

Flexibility and Scalability

Your accounting needs may also change as your business grows and evolves. Customised Accountancy Packages offer the flexibility and scalability to adapt to your business’s changing requirements. Whether you’re expanding into new markets, launching new products, or facing economic uncertainties, customised accountancy packages can be adjusted to accommodate these changes. This scalability ensures that your accounting processes remain robust and relevant, supporting your business’s growth trajectory over the long term.

Conclusion

Practical accounting is essential for the success of any small business, but traditional one-size-fits-all approaches may only sometimes suffice. By embracing customised financial solutions and tailored accountancy packages, small businesses can overcome the challenges of managing their finances and unlock their full growth potential. Understanding your business needs, leveraging technology, partnering with experienced professionals, and prioritising flexibility and scalability are vital steps in improving small business accounting. With the right strategies, small businesses can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and financial insight, paving the way for long-term success. Customised financial solutions empower small businesses to take control of their finances and drive sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

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The Future of Sports Betting: How AI is Changing the Game

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The Thriving Intersection of Sports and Sports Betting in Nigeria

In recent years, the sports betting landscape has undergone a significant transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are not only changing how bets are placed but are also reshaping the strategies used by both bookmakers and bettors to predict outcomes more accurately. As AI continues to evolve, it is poised to revolutionize the sports betting industry, offering new opportunities for data analysis, decision-making, and personalized betting experiences. Let’s explore three key ways in which AI is changing the game in sports betting.

1. Enhanced Predictive Analytics

The cornerstone of successful sports betting has always been the accurate prediction of game outcomes. AI and machine learning have taken predictive analytics to a new level, enabling the analysis of vast datasets beyond the capabilities of human analysts. These technologies can process and analyze data from a variety of sources, including player performance statistics, team history, weather conditions, and even social media sentiment, to make highly accurate predictions about future sports events.

Machine learning algorithms learn from historical data and continuously improve over time, becoming more sophisticated in identifying patterns and trends that can influence the outcome of a sports event. This means that bookmakers can offer odds that are more reflective of the actual probabilities, and bettors can make more informed decisions. For instance, Rebellion Research’s proprietary machine learning model, which has a history of outperforming the S&P 500, could be adapted to sports betting, providing insights that could significantly improve the accuracy of bet predictions.

2. Real-time Data Processing and In-play Betting

One of the most exciting developments in sports betting is the rise of in-play or live betting, which allows bettors to place bets on events as they are happening. AI plays a crucial role in this area by processing real-time data from live games to update odds instantly. This not only enhances the betting experience by making it more dynamic and engaging but also requires sophisticated algorithms that can quickly analyze incoming data streams to adjust the odds in real-time. Premier League betting, with its blend of rich tradition and intense competition, offers unparalleled excitement and opportunities for bettors, driven by real-time data analytics and predictive AI technologies that are reshaping the landscape of sports wagering.

AI systems can track live data such as scores, player performance metrics, and in-game events to provide up-to-the-second betting options. This capability ensures that both bookmakers and bettors have the most current information at their fingertips, enabling decisions to be made on the fly. The immediacy and accuracy of AI-driven in-play betting offer a more interactive and immersive betting experience, significantly different from traditional pre-match betting.

3. Personalization and User Experience

AI is also revolutionizing the user experience in sports betting by enabling highly personalized services. Through machine learning algorithms, betting platforms can analyze individual user behavior, preferences, and betting patterns to tailor recommendations, odds, and promotions to each user. This level of personalization improves the engagement and retention rates of bettors, making the betting experience more enjoyable and customized.

Furthermore, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 customer service, offering instant responses to queries, guiding users through betting processes, and even offering personalized betting advice. This use of AI not only enhances customer satisfaction but also allows betting platforms to operate more efficiently by automating routine customer interactions.

 

The integration of AI into sports betting is transforming the industry by enhancing predictive analytics, enabling real-time data processing for in-play betting, and personalizing the user experience. As AI technology continues to advance, it promises to unlock even more innovative and exciting opportunities for the sports betting industry. The future of sports betting looks to be more data-driven, dynamic, and personalized, offering a richer and more engaging experience for bettors around the globe.

 

4. Fraud Detection and Enhanced Security

As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, so does the potential for fraudulent activity. AI and machine learning are becoming invaluable tools for identifying and preventing fraud within the betting industry. By analyzing betting patterns and behaviors in real-time, AI systems can flag unusual activities that may indicate fraudulent behavior, such as match-fixing or the use of insider information. These systems can also monitor for irregular betting patterns across multiple accounts to detect coordinated attempts at fraud.

Moreover, AI enhances security by ensuring the integrity of betting operations. Through the use of sophisticated algorithms, AI can help maintain a fair and secure betting environment, protecting both the bettors and the bookmakers. Enhanced security not only builds trust in the platform but also safeguards the reputation of the sports betting industry as a whole.

5. Market Expansion and New Betting Products

AI is driving innovation in the sports betting industry, leading to the expansion of markets and the introduction of new betting products. With the ability to analyze and predict outcomes in a wide range of sports and events, AI opens up new opportunities for betting in less traditional sports or in aspects of games that were previously difficult to quantify. For example, bets on individual player performances, in-game events, or even fantasy sports leagues are becoming more common, thanks to AI’s predictive capabilities.

Furthermore, AI enables the creation of more complex betting options and products that can cater to niche interests. This diversification not only attracts a broader audience but also enhances the betting experience by offering more choices to bettors. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative betting products and markets emerge, further expanding the scope of sports betting.

6. Optimizing Betting Odds and Risk Management

AI and machine learning significantly contribute to the optimization of betting odds and risk management for bookmakers. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI models can more accurately set odds that reflect the true probability of various outcomes, thereby maximizing the bookmaker’s margins while still offering fair odds to bettors. This level of accuracy in odds setting also enhances competitiveness in the betting market.

In terms of risk management, AI algorithms can assess the risk associated with certain bets or events and adjust the odds accordingly. This dynamic adjustment helps bookmakers manage their liability and ensures the long-term financial stability of their operations. AI’s ability to predict and manage risks is transforming the sports betting industry, making it more efficient and financially secure.

 

These additional points highlight the growing importance of AI in addressing security concerns, expanding the betting market, and optimizing odds and risk management in sports betting. As AI technology advances, its applications within the sports betting industry are expected to become even more sophisticated, further revolutionizing how bets are placed, managed, and secured. The future of sports betting, powered by AI, promises a more secure, diverse, and dynamic betting landscape.

 

7. Customizing Betting Strategies with AI

AI’s ability to analyze complex patterns and predict outcomes has paved the way for customized betting strategies tailored to individual preferences and historical success rates. Bettors can leverage AI-driven tools to analyze their betting history, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling the development of personalized betting strategies that optimize their chances of winning. These tools can suggest when to bet, how much to bet, and on what events to bet based on predictive analytics and individual risk tolerance, transforming the betting experience into a more calculated and strategic endeavor.

8. Enhancing Player Performance Predictions

Beyond team outcomes, AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated in predicting individual player performances, which is crucial for fantasy sports betting and player-specific bets. By analyzing data points such as player fitness levels, historical performance under similar conditions, and matchups against specific opponents, AI models can offer insights into likely player achievements in upcoming games. This capability not only benefits bettors looking for an edge in player-specific wagering but also aids fantasy sports enthusiasts in making informed decisions about their team compositions.

9. Streamlining Betting Processes Through Automation

AI and automation are streamlining the betting process, making it faster and more efficient for both bettors and bookmakers. Automated systems can handle routine tasks such as placing bets, processing payouts, and managing accounts, allowing bettors to focus on strategy and enjoyment of the game. For bookmakers, automation reduces the operational workload, minimizes human error, and ensures transactions are processed swiftly and accurately. This efficiency not only improves the user experience but also allows bookmakers to scale their operations effectively to accommodate the growing demand in the sports betting market.

 

The integration of AI into sports betting is transforming the industry in multifaceted ways. From customizing betting strategies to enhancing player performance predictions and streamlining betting processes through automation, AI is making sports betting more sophisticated, strategic, and user-friendly. As technology continues to advance, the potential for further innovations in sports betting remains vast, promising even more exciting developments for bettors and bookmakers alike.



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AFRICA FILM SOCIETY OPENS 2024 CLASSICS IN THE PARK WITH SANKOFA

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Haile Gerima’s critically acclaimed film ‘Sankofa’ will be screening at the Africa Film’s Society’s free outdoor film festival Classics in the Park on 30th March 2024 Akola Boni Park in Osu, Accra.  

Released in 1993, Sankofa follows a self-absorbed Black American fashion model on a photo shoot in Ghana who is spiritually transported back to a plantation in the West Indies where she experiences first-hand the physical and psychic horrors of chattel slavery, and eventually the redemptive power of community and rebellion as she becomes a member of a freedom-seeking Maroon colony. The film stars Ghanaians Kofi Ghanaba and Alenxandra Duah.

Over the past eight years, Classics in the Park has introduced classic African films ((1950’s – 1990’s) to young film audiences for free. This year’s edition will run from 30th -31st March and will feature two feature films and thirteen short films. 20240327 153502

Sankofa will screen on the first day alongside the short films: Second Wind (Canada), Fofo Means Father (Ghana), Doris (Ghana), Ampe (Ghana), and Rosenfield (Germany). 

Bound for Lagos, a Nigerian classic released in 1960 to mark the country’s independence will take centre stage on the final day alongside the short films: Broken Mask (Nigeria), Hooky (USA), Love in the Wind (Ghana), Bege (Nigeria), Rare (Ghana), Moon over Aburi (Ghana), Do or Die (Nigeria), and O.YO – On your Own (Nigeria). 

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Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah Call For “Change” In Powerful New Single

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In their latest musical collaboration, Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah have taken a bold step to address issues in African society. Their new song, titled ‘Change,’ serves as a powerful call to action, urging Africans and Ghanaians to demand accountability from their political leaders. The artists emphasize that the failures of corrupt politicians should not be tolerated or excused, and instead advocate for a collective effort towards positive change.

At a time when corruption and political misconduct continue to hinder progress in many African nations, ‘Change’ serves as a much-needed anthem for disillusioned citizens. Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah deliver an empowering message, encouraging Africans to take a stand against the rampant corruption that has plagued their societies for far too long. Through their lyrics, the artists emphasize the importance of holding politicians accountable and demanding transparency in governance.

The song ‘Change’ highlights the artists’ frustration with the lack of development and progress resulting from the actions of corrupt politicians. Michael and Ebenezer’s lyrics convey a sense of disappointment, as they express the belief that Africans and Ghanaians deserve better leadership. They emphasize that the failures of politicians should not be an excuse for the stagnation of their countries; instead, it should be a catalyst for change and collective action.

‘Change’ by Michael Adjetey and Ebenezer Okrah serves as a rallying cry for Africans and Ghanaians to address the issue of corruption in their respective countries. Through their powerful lyrics, the artists urge citizens to hold their leaders accountable and work towards achieving a brighter future. This song has the potential to inspire a collective movement towards positive change, empowering individuals to actively participate in shaping the destiny of their nations.

Ebenezer and Michael believe in hard work. However, they also affirm the believe that without God, nothing is impossible. They implore society in general to change from iniquities to holiness, for what shall it profit a man/woman, if you gain the whole world but lose your soul. “Change” is a clarion call for salvation, not only to the politicians, but to all humanity. So, going forward, if we say “OPUTUNUU”, you say “WA MA TSA K3 MI”. We’ve got to change inside y’all. Change MUST Come.

Audio Link : https://ditto.fm/eochange

 


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